An interesting startup that is trying to tackle the issue of Agri waste is STRAT.

 As per the startup’s co-founder Mr Singuru Rajesh STRAT tackles two main issues i.e. managing agricultural waste and mitigating rural unemployment.

And by transforming agro-residue into biodegradable items such as eco-friendly Rakhis, cutlery, Ganesh idols, and plantable return gifts, the startup presents farmers with an extra source of income during non-harvest periods.

For instance the startup obtains agro-residues during post-harvest and cyclones, and converts them into marketable goods. These products are then distributed through various channels, both online and offline, providing a reliable source of income for farmers and facilitating growth for the company.

This approach also enables rural women to enhance their skills and obtain employment, promoting self-sufficiency and eco-friendly methods.

The motivation for the startup stemmed from witnessing the challenges faced by farmers during off-seasons and recognizing the untapped value of agro-residues. Additionally, a desire to support rural women led to the creation of the startup that integrates environmental awareness with financial prosperity.

‘Our goal is to encourage sustainable living and bolster the rural economy. This involves minimizing agro-waste and providing environmentally-friendly options to replace plastic, all in an effort to promote a cultural transformation towards environmental consciousness and inclusivity’ said its co-founder.

Since its establishment, STRAT claims to have catered to a wide range of clients. In fact their Rakhis made with seed-planting capabilities had garnered widespread praise for their unique and environmentally-friendly design last year.

Valuable inputs from its customers regarding pricing and themes have been instrumental in further enhancing upcoming product offerings.

In the near future, STRAT envisions automating procedures, broadening its range of products, and delving into industrial uses.

By bolstering collaborations with companies and organizations, the goal is to uplift additional rural communities and establish a prominent position as a pioneer in environmentally-friendly items made from agro-residue.

Below is a brief snapshot of the Startup:

Founders: Yenda Keerthi and Singuru Rajesh

Incubated / Started in: IIMV-Field, Visakhapatnam

Industry / Space: Agro-Waste Management

Number of team members: 4

Funding Received: RKVY-RAFTAAR from MoFA, Govt of India, DST-NIDHI EIR

Looking For: Strategic partnerships, scaling production, and industrial collaborations

Claim to Fame: Nav Bharat Nirman Award 2019, Top30 Social Innovations

Market of Operation: India

Company Culture:

Aggressive         Methodical         Easy Going

Person that inspires me (PTIM): Prof. MS Swaminathan, Father of Indian Green Revolution.